NEW YORK, NY.- Swann Galleries will offer a live online sale of Old Master Through Modern Prints on Thursday, May 21. With the largest selection of old master prints to be found at auction in America as well as important modern works, this sale offers an impressive array of fine material, including a special section dedicated to fine old master prints and drawings from the collection of the late art dealer Matthew Rutenberg.
Matthew Rutenberg was a respected figure within the art world with an extraordinary knowledge of Western art history, particularly Old Master works. Notable drawings include a late-sixteenth-century sheet of studies of flying putti from the Sienese School ($3,000-5,000); Standing Female Nude, a 1916 black and white chalk study by Julio González ($7,000-10,000); and Ruins of the Temple of Diana, Nimes, a watercolor, pen and ink drawing by Jacob Philipp Hackert ($4,000-6,000).
Included among the Old Masters are exceptional examples by Albrecht Dürer and Francisco José de Goya. Highlights from the selection include woodcuts by Dürer Hercues Conquering the Molionide Twins, 1946-98, and The Vision of the Seven Candlesticks, 1498, estimated at $15,000 to $20,000 apiece; and a first edition of Goya’s circa 1834 aquatint and etching Modo de Volar carrying an estimate of $7,000 to $10,000. There are many fine works by Rembrandt van Rijn, including lifetime impressions of the etchings Self Portrait with Raised Sabre, 1634 ($30,000-50,000); Landscape with an Obelisk, circa 1650 ($25,000-35,000); and The Good Samaritan, 1633($10,000-15,000). Prints by Pieter Bruegel, Hendrick Golzius and Giovanni B. Piranesi round out the superb offering.
Nineteenth-century works include Mary Cassatt’s two drypoints Hélène of Septeuil, circa 1890, and Baby’s Back, 1890, both expected to bring $7,000 to $10,000. Also featured is a remarkable run of etchings by James A.M. Whistler, most notably works from the artist’s first and second Venice etchings: The Two Doorways, 1879-80 ($12,000-18,000), and San Biagio, 1879-80 ($10,000-15,000).
Modernists are represented by Die Brück artists Erich Heckel, with Männerbildnis, color woodcut, 1919 ($40,000-60,000), and Edvard Munch, with Den Tykke Horen, color woodcut, 1899 ($25,000-35,000). Further Modernist stalwarts include Pablo Picasso with Faune Dévoilant une Femme, a 1934 etching from the Vollard Suite ($50,000-80,000); and Jacques Villon with Monsieur D. Lisant, 1913, is among the last of the major Cubist prints Villon created between 1911 and 1914 ($25,000-25,000). Henri Matisse, Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí also feature.
Rufino Tamayo leads a run of Latin American art with Galaxia, a 1977 color mixografía set to come across the block at $10,000 to $15,000. Also of note is Roberto Matta with Etoile des Jardins, color etching, 1995 ($8,000-12,000); a group of five color lithographs dating to 1968 and 1969 by David A. Siqueiros ($2,000-3,000); and Miguel Covarrubias’s Rice Granary, Bali, lithograph, circa 1943 ($1,500-2,500).
While current restrictions will not allow for in-person examination of the material, Swann Galleries staff will prepare condition reports and provide additional photographs of material on request. Advance order bids can be placed directly with the specialist for the sale or on Swann’s website, and limited, pre-arranged phone bidding eill be available. Live online bidding platforms available will be the Swann Galleries App, Invaluable, and Live Auctioneers.
